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woolfardis's review against another edition
1.0
mary146's review against another edition
4.0
Piacevolissimo libro che unisce elementi magici, religiosi e non disdegna una velata critica ai cosiddetti “potenti” raccontando però allo stesso tempo una storia piacevole e con una bella fine. Consigliato da leggere non solo per Natale, ma anche per l’inverno in generale.
intoastory's review against another edition
2.0
Ugh. What a dull, horrible little story. I didn’t enjoy this at all. I gave it an extra star because the writing wasn’t bad. There were a few funny/pretty lines, but I disliked this very much.
cliobemuzedbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed this read and it's quite a humorous tale, so in spite of the morals into really aligning it was fun to read through.
This is very much a christian tale. The pious blacksmith is being harassed by the devil the night before Christmas. However, in the end good triumphs over evil and our blacksmith gets his heart's desire.
At once a moralistic tale as a slight satire.
Not fully satisfying because of it's religious nature, but it is of course a product of its time. Some of the portayals or descriptions of women definitely wouldn't fly nowadays, but all in all an interesting one.
This is very much a christian tale. The pious blacksmith is being harassed by the devil the night before Christmas. However, in the end good triumphs over evil and our blacksmith gets his heart's desire.
At once a moralistic tale as a slight satire.
Not fully satisfying because of it's religious nature, but it is of course a product of its time. Some of the portayals or descriptions of women definitely wouldn't fly nowadays, but all in all an interesting one.
jpanslabyrinthofbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This was an enchanting folk tale of Russian Literature, a first-time reading, that was gifted to me in a giveaway by a precious friend.
The story follows a young Blacksmith named Vakula who is besotten with the local 'beauty' named Oksana; a daughter, aware of her beauty and elegance. He is battling the Devil for her love; who has stolen the moon to wreak havoc upon the village of Dikanka.
This tale includes adult themes, things that I wouldn't expect within a children's novel but also things that make the narrative more alluring. They encapsulate the entirety of Christmas, first love and the traditions within culture. From romance, to suicide and alcohol - the story is reminiscent of a classic Romeo and Juliet story. It shows the hardships of love, the tales are harrowing and the trials unbearable. But it portrays commitment and genorosity, humble tidings and belief will power through hard times.
The story follows a young Blacksmith named Vakula who is besotten with the local 'beauty' named Oksana; a daughter, aware of her beauty and elegance. He is battling the Devil for her love; who has stolen the moon to wreak havoc upon the village of Dikanka.
This tale includes adult themes, things that I wouldn't expect within a children's novel but also things that make the narrative more alluring. They encapsulate the entirety of Christmas, first love and the traditions within culture. From romance, to suicide and alcohol - the story is reminiscent of a classic Romeo and Juliet story. It shows the hardships of love, the tales are harrowing and the trials unbearable. But it portrays commitment and genorosity, humble tidings and belief will power through hard times.
ilse0778's review against another edition
4.0
“The devil flew up to the moon, reached out and tried to grab it, but must have burned his fingers, for he hopped on one leg, sucking on his hand. He walked around it and tried again from the other side, and again jumped back. But the sly one didn’t give up: he suddenly grabbed the moon with both hands and, juggling it like a hot pancake, stuffed it in his pocket, and flew off as though nothing had happened.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this little novel! It was hilarious, charming and fast-paced. The twists and spins kept coming right until the end with such a delightful cast of characters that I couldn't get enough of it! Definitely a recommended read if you enjoy Russian literature and/or Nikolai Gogol's work!
I thoroughly enjoyed this little novel! It was hilarious, charming and fast-paced. The twists and spins kept coming right until the end with such a delightful cast of characters that I couldn't get enough of it! Definitely a recommended read if you enjoy Russian literature and/or Nikolai Gogol's work!
bessa's review against another edition
5.0
ფერადოვანი, გამოკვებილი და ტრანსაღმოსავლეთევროპული, როგორც ზოგიერთი ჯეიმს ბონდი და ბაირონის დონ ჟუანი..
matt_sheffield's review against another edition
4.0
Devils, witches, vodka and unrequited love. Not your typical Christmas story, which is why I enjoyed this short and humorous tale. A simple yet devout blacksmith out-smarts the devil and uses him in his quest to win over the girl he loves. Actually, it's not that epic. It reads more like a folk fairytale with some slapstick to boot. A good time for the holidays.
specificwonderland's review against another edition
3.0
deals with the devil, hellcats and the tsaritas booties.